How Rams are exploiting a cheat code to lead NFL in overlooked stat

If you are one of the fans who find the new NFL kickoff rules complex and confusing, you are not alone.

The NFL rules committee tinkered with the kickoff mechanics in 2024, and the rule changes required a rather lengthy discussion to cover all the bases.

Thankfully, special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn understood what the changes meant for the Los Angeles Rams.

Los Angeles remained conservative last season, awaiting some team to discover a strategy that improved success rates in kickoffs. That wait-and-see attitude meant kicking off into the end zone and allowing opposing offenses to start at their 35-yard line. But time allowed Blackburn to come up with a solid strategy that played a huge role in the Week 3 contest versus the Philadelphia Eagles.

Just check out what NFL insider/analyst Brian Baldinger observes:

The squib kickoff is ridiculously difficult to field cleanly, and it resulted in multiple muffs. The difference in field position was an average of a 24-yard line for Philly, and at the 42-yard line for LA.

That's a huge difference.

Rams are exploiting a kickoff cheat code

The truth of the matter is that while some fans are displeased with Blackburn after two potentially game-winning field goals were blocked in Week 3, he certainly discovered a cheat code his team is exploiting with remarkable success.

Per a social media graphic shared by Rams team writer Wyatt Miller, Los Angeles is tops in the NFL at opponents' average field position:

This kickoff advantage is every bit as impressive as a huge punting advantage. After three games in 2025, kickoffs can be added to the arsenal of weapons at head coach Sean McVay's disposal. That certainly explains queuing up six field goals in Week 3 against the Eagles. If the following kickoff pins opponents deep in their own territory, plus adds a chance at a turnover, why not?

Other challenges remain, including a struggling offensive line that has impacted both pass blocking and field-goal kicking. But the Rams aren't bereft of positives. One of the most surprising pluses after three games is how dramatically well kickoffs are panning out.

Ultimately, it's easy to overreact to a meltdown loss. But Los Angelesis 2-1, is returning home after a two-game road trip, and remains one of the better teams in the NFL right now. One more positive to add to the multiple reasons for optimism.

Fans have plenty to look forward to this season. Right now, the goal is to regroup in time to find success in Week 4.

As always, thanks for reading.

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